SuperAutomatic Vs. Manual Espresso Machine. Which is best for you?

Not sure which type of espresso machine to get? Read this guide to learn whether a superautomatic or a manual espresso machine is best for you.

Are you an espresso lover? If so, chances are you know exactly what type of beans you like as well as the length and intensity of shot that satisfies your palette.  In fact, you may be at the stage of your espresso experience where you are ready to go beyond straight espresso to making specialty drinks like cappuccino and lattes.  Perhaps latte art is the next big skill you plan to conquer. 

You are absolutely convinced that espresso is your brew of choice but you are struggling to decide which espresso machine is the one to help you achieve your coffee bliss.  Buying a machine is an investment so giving serious consideration to who will use the machine and how it will be used and where are all important factors to consider.

There are a number of things to consider when purchasing an espresso machine, the least of which is convenience, quality, maintenance, size and location and finally cost.

Read this guide to understand the differences between superautomatic and manual espresso machines, and find out which is right for you.

Convenience

What does convenience mean to you?  If you are looking to push a button and have your beans ground, measured and tamped for you and then have the used grinds put in a reservoir until you are ready to clean it out – then no question that a superautomatic machine is what you need. No need to read further.

On the other hand, if convenience is looking a beautiful shot of espresso (top café quality) and having the convenience of having that shot in your home, saving you time and money from going out to a café, then a manual espresso machine should not be discounted.

What are some other conveniences to consider?   A fully automatic machine means no mess.  The spent grinds automatically fall into a reservoir. With a manual however, cleaning the portafilter requires a knock box and the action of cleaning it can result in grinds on your counter or water spillage.  Depending on where your machine is located, the frequency of use and the expertise of the users, cleaning up after making the espresso can become a nuisance and cumbersome. 

Then there is the question of frothing milk for specialty drinks. Some fully automatic machines come with built in milk carafes that not only froth the milk but clean themselves.  Many would say this is very convenient.  You can also store milk carafes in the fridge when there is milk remaining.  This avoids waste and saves money too.

Quality of espresso

You will find both superautomatics as well as manuals that make a superb espresso.  Top grade superautomatics provide features which allows the user to adjust and calibrate their coffee.  The sophistication of super automatic espresso machines has really improved over the years.  However, if a user is fully committed to learning about espresso making, then manual machines of a certain caliber outperform in this area.

Manual espresso machines are said to produce better quality espresso over automatic machines because the user has full control of all the variables that go into the coffee. However, this does take time and practice and more importantly requires consistency.  This is achievable when there is a single user using the manual to make an espresso but when you have multiple users, you are bound to experience variance in the results. This is where disappointment may occur. 

Also, if you have children who may enjoy a milk based drink and are old enough to make it on their own (hot chocolate, flat whites etc) a superautomatic with a built in carafe machine will fit the bill.

Keep in mind not all manual machines are built the same.  Many on the market are not built to last- what does this mean?  Many are built off shore (China) and have inferior quality components. The main name which is so popular that comes to mind is Breville.  This company has great marketing and sleek looking machines on the exterior but the interior (which is what actually produces the espresso) are not impressive at all.  In fact, you will find many bloggers (who serve as affiliate marketers) promote this product.  The fact is they are being paid to write their recommendation. Just a note to be wary of bias in reviews.

The top names in manual machines for home, those that you can trust to be well built, Rocket and Izzo, for example, are made in Italy.  They are made with high grade stainless steel exterior, the boilers are made of copper or stainless as opposed to aluminum thermoblock, and they use an E61 group head with a 58mm portafilter as opposed to smaller pressurized portafilters.

Maintenance

If you're looking for an espresso machine with easy clean-up, an automatic machine is right for you.  All you do is push a button and the self-contained grinder dispenses the appropriate amount of coffee and the brew unit tamps at the same pressure each and every time.  The shot is poured and measured directly into your cup. There's no need to worry about excess water spillage or loose coffee grounds.  The maintenance required is minimal – at most you may have to empty out the drip tray and dreg drawer every few days. 

Manual machines on the other hand require maintenance before and after each cup.   The portafilter needs to be pre-heated, rinsed, and dried before you can make each and every cup.  Manual machines also require regular backflushing (at least once a week).

The other important consideration is where you can get service if required.  Is the machine easy to package and ship for service? Are you able to get original replacement parts?  All of these factors should be considered as well. 

Size and Location

Manual machines are generally speaking larger than superautomatics.  They will take more space on your counter.  Remember, manual machines also require you to have a grinder and knock box which also require more space.  In fact, given the nature of manual machines, it is imperative to have a sink close by in order to be able to rinse the portafilter and other components on a regular basis.

If you are thinking of getting a manual unit with a direct water hook up, it is crucial to hook up a waste tube to your drain. You need to ensure you consider all of these factors before investing in a manual machine.

Superautomatics are generally designed with a smaller footprint.  They were conceived with the idea that they will fit seamlessly under most kitchen counters. They are designed for easy maneuvering so coffee beans and water can be added easily.

Your espresso machine should be pleasure, if it is cumbersome and intrusive it will become a source of frustration.

Cost

Like any appliance the range of price for both manual espresso machines and superautomatics espresso machine can vary widely.   However, generally speaking, the starting price for quality manual machines is higher than most superautomatics.   You will also need to consider all the extras you need to purchase with a manual:  grinder (start at $350+), knock box, and tamper.  Additionally there is the cost of plumbing if you are looking at direct water hook ups.

Those that are really passionate about espresso are also usually passionate about owning a quality manual machine.  In many cases, many folks work up to owning a manual machine as their knowledge and appreciation of espresso increases. 

Superautomatics on the other hand are a great gateway into the world of espresso.  The entry level machines are quite affordable and they produce an espresso worthy of most coffee shops. Once you enter the mid or higher range models of superautomatics, you will able to tweak and customize your espresso.  While you may be paying slightly more for this range of superautomatic espresso machine, you could feel confident that your espresso will be comparable to the espresso made from a manual.

Will You Choose an Automatic or Manual Espresso Machine?

Both manual and automatic espresso machines produce delicious espresso. The type you choose depends on a number of variables which require attentive consideration. Our trained experts will help you determine which machine best suits your needs.